6. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman takes a spin around the "alleged economic miracle in Texas." He calls it a "myth" and says that rapid population growth (especially among retirees) accounts for virtually all of the "miracle."

7. George Soros writes in today's Financial Times: "A comprehensive solution to the euro crisis must have three major components: reform and recapitalisation of the banking system; a eurobond regime; and an exit mechanism." Ambrose Evans-Pritchard argues that only Germany can save the eurozone now and that it will likely not do so because of parochial politics.